Intimacy doesn't happen overnight and building a close relationship takes much time. When you first become a Christian, it may seem tedious and difficult. Read my Bible every day? Write down my thoughts and questions? Pray?! How do I even begin? Memorize passages and verses? It sounds more like homework than a relationship!
The beginning of any relationship has its easiness and its difficulty. The newness and excitement of marriage is wonderful, but you also must wash dishes and pick up dirty clothes. It is in the washing of dishes and clothes, the mundane activities of daily life together, where intimacy and deep love grow.
The same is true for spiritual disciplines.
Relationships take time, effort, grace and patience. Remember this as you begin to walk with the Lord.
Spending time learning more about Him and what He desires of you grows a desire for Him. Talking to Him through prayer cultivates trust in Him. Listening to His "still, small voice" in your heart reminds you that He's always near. Meditating on and memorizing His Truth, gives you a sword to fight with when temptations come calling.
Jesus loves you dearly and knows that a close relationship with Him brings joy and freedom and happiness like you've never known before.
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
(David, Psalm 16:11 ESV)
"If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."
(Jesus, John 15:10-11 ESV)
So true. Great points about the deeper intimacy growing in the small 'mundane' things such as washing dishes, etc; things that have to be done on a daily basis. Therefore meeting with God everyday will also bring forth deeper intimacy. I still have so much trouble with this. I want the desire to be there but don't have the discipline to do what I know I need to do.
ReplyDeleteLove you friend!